Development of non-contact floating mechanism utilizing squeeze film levitation under vacuum environment

Results of an experimental study on the levitation of a light object created by the squeeze-film mechanism under both vacuum and atmospheric conditions are presented and discussed. Two working substances were used, that is vacuum pump oil and ionic liquid. It was determined that vacuum pump oil produced a much higher levitation altitude of the floating light object compared to the ionic liquid. Also, it was established that levitation can be achieved under both vacuum and atmospheric conditions. The levitation height of the light object was slightly higher under vacuum conditions.